Chapter 3: Strangers When Meeting Again

  Xiao Zhao and others were sitting at the entrance of Xiao Hanshan Cave, carefully looking at the rugged stone wall, gradually becoming distracted; while Xiao Lan, Xiao Rong and Hu's father and mother had fallen asleep inside.

  Inside the cave, Wu's mother lit a raging fire, and the dry wood crackled with a loud "popping" sound. The flames danced and swayed in the mountain wind that poured in.

  "Wu Mama said softly: "Xiao Zhao! Are you afraid? Come and warm up a bit! I'm really sorry to have dragged you into this suffering!"

  Xiao Zhao listened, smiled lightly, and turned her head back, walking to the fire and saying tenderly: "Aunt! Don't say such outsider things! How could I feel bitter? I was just thinking about what Wu Xin brother is doing? And whether he and Hu Bin brother are in danger?"

  "Wu's mother sighed: "This child Hu Bin is really good! I'm a bit worried, from last night to now it's almost a whole day, how come there's no news? Hopefully nothing bad has happened!"

  Xiao Zhao comforted her: "Aunt! Don't worry, Hu Bin is a good person. Good people don't get into trouble easily, do they? Besides, he's so careful!"

  Madam Wu seemed to think she was too gloomy, so she hugged Xiao Zhao in her arms and smiled: "Xiao Zhao! You still call me Aunt? I feel a bit strange hearing it. How about being my adopted daughter instead?"

  Xiao Zhao's face turned red, she smiled shyly but didn't say a word.

  The fire was burning brightly, but suddenly a thick fog rushed into the cave, startling the two of them and leaving them staring blankly.

  The mist dispersed, and two figures appeared before his eyes, a boy and a girl.

  The girl was dressed in a green dress, and her spirit was so captivating that it couldn't be hidden. Her beautifully crafted face had no hint of worldly vulgarity. She didn't have any expression, but she was more moving than any expression. The charm of her eyebrows and eyes was mesmerizing. Xiao Zhao had always been proud of her appearance since childhood, and in fact, there wasn't a single girl in the entire school who could compare to her except for Huang Xiu Ying. But facing this girl, Xiao Zhao felt a little ashamed, a little self-deprecating, and even had a feeling of self-abasement. What kind of stunning beauty was this?! Xiao Zhao was shocked, her heart racing wildly. Had I seen an immortal goddess?

  That boy was slightly taller, and the most striking thing about him was his messy long hair, which hung down lightly, black and shiny. Although it was disheveled like a bird's nest, each strand was very clear, and it seemed to be a masterpiece of a barber. However, no one could create such a masterpiece, and no one could arrange the thousands of strands of hair so neatly. Under that naturally messy hair was a face with an air of elegance, a face as bright as cold jade, with clear eyebrows and eyes. The eyebrows were like his hair, almost visible from a distance, each strand clear and black, shining like paint, but more exquisite than painted ones. His eyes shot out strange lights, calm like a pool of water, but the desolation and despair in his gaze made one's heart ache, while the hidden resentment was terrifying, making one dare not look directly at him.

  Who is he?

  Xiao Zhao looked closely. Eyebrows, eyes, nose, lips, although all so delicate and beautiful, yet had a familiar shadow. No! It seemed very familiar, Xiao Zhao suddenly had a strange feeling, a sense of unfamiliarity that was both familiar and unfamiliar. Could it be Wu Xin? As soon as she thought of this, Xiao Zhao's heart began to tremble with excitement. But how could this face, even more handsome than Xiao Jian's, be Wu Xin's? The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like him, especially those eyes, that slightly melancholic gaze...

  Wu Mama and Xiao Lan, Xiao Rong's thoughts are roughly the same. Looking at this gaze, she suddenly seems to think of something. This is a familiar yet strange face. It seems too familiar, so it becomes very strange; and it seems very strange, so there will be a familiar feeling.

  Several people were stunned, but then they heard the boy choke and say: "Mom! Xiaozhao, what's wrong with you?"

  The girl also moved suddenly, her eyes curiously looking at the two of them, and she became even more radiant.

  Wu's mother and Xiao Zhao both cried out in surprise, unable to believe it.

  "Are you... are you... Wu Xin?" Wu's mother exclaimed in surprise.

  Wu Xin smiled wryly and said: "Mom! How can you even not recognize me?"

  That fairy-like girl listened and smiled lightly, saying: "Aunt! Hello! I am Guo Li, Wu Xin's junior sister apprentice!... Are you Xiao Zhao?" Her clever eyes gazed at Xiao Zhao.

  Xiao Zhao saw her glance over, and with a soft "ah", she quickly turned her head away, not daring to look at Guo Li, unable to bear the depth of her gaze, which also carried a hint of self-reproach.

  "Wu Xing! How did you end up like this?!"

  Wu Xin was also asked strangely: "How did I change? How didn't I feel it? I haven't looked in the mirror recently!"

  Xiao Zhao listened and turned around, blushing and saying: "Brother Wu Xin! Is it really you?"

  Wu Xin smiled slightly and then choked with sobs: "Xiao Zhao, I've caused you all so much suffering!"

  Xiao Zhao listened and tears also flowed out, rushing to hug Wu Xin and sobbing: "Brother Wu Xin! I was so scared when you weren't around!......"

  Wu Xin gently patted Xiao Zhao's back and smiled: "Don't be afraid! I'm back, aren't I? Alright, I promise you, from now on, no one is allowed to bully you!" His tone changed from choked to gentle, and finally became firm.

  Xiao Zhao felt a wave of comfort, and just as she was feeling happy, she saw Guo's little head leaning over and saying: "Xiao Zhao! Why are you crying and laughing at the same time? I won't be able to learn it!"

  Several people heard and burst out laughing. Xiao Zhao felt even more embarrassed, let go of Wu Xing, wiped away the tears on her face, and gently nodded at Guo Li: "You're really too beautiful! Too beautiful!" Her eyes couldn't help but glance at Wu Xing's reaction again.

  Wu Xin's face turned red, and he said softly: "Mom! She is another disciple of Master, named Guo Li, a lonely person. I promised Master to take care of her, so let her live with us from now on!"

  Wu's mother gave Wu Xin a stern look, warning him, then smiled at Guo Li and said: "Guo Li! You're so pretty! From now on, don't be polite, just live with us, there are several sisters too." Just as she was saying this, Xiaolan and the others woke up and saw strangers, they rushed over. But everyone couldn't help but stare at Wu Xin.

  "Mother Guo said with a smile: "Aunt! Why does Wu Xin have so many sisters?"

  This remark made several people both embarrassed and amused. Xiao Zhao and the others looked at Wu Xing with sparkling eyes, extremely pleased and shy. Wu's mother smiled and went over to hug Guo Li, laughing softly: "You'll know later!"

  Just then, the "rabbit" in Guo Li's arms suddenly jumped down and quickly hopped onto his shoulder, startling Wu Mama and the others. When they looked closer, they were even more astonished.

  Xiao Zhao said: "Ah! Is this a rabbit or a mouse? Why does it look so strange?" Guo Lijiao smiled and said: "Its name is Zhang Yue, it's very lazy, today it finally deigned to move! It's not a rabbit nor a mouse, but a strange little dragon!"

  "Wu's mother exclaimed: "Dragon treasure? Is there such a thing as dragon treasure? I really haven't heard of it! I don't know if it can swallow clouds and spit out fog?"

  Wu Xin listened and remembered something, hurriedly taking down the large package on his back: "Mom! I'll tell you about this later, there are still three dragon babies!" After saying that, he untied the bag opening, and instantly three strange beasts came out, shocking everyone again.

  Three little beasts jumped onto Wu Xin's shoulder as soon as they came out. Wu Xin introduced them for a while and then said, "Mom, this thing is very powerful, how about sending one to you? It can help you with your work and also play with you!"

  Xiao Zhao was a bit afraid, seeing Guo Li and Tian Yue getting along so well, she also reached out to gently pet the three beasts. The three beasts just looked at Xiao Zhao, allowing her to pet them, and were even more docile than sheep. Xiao Zhao liked them even more, laughing: "Wu Xing brother, give one to me?"

  Wu Xin smiled and said: "Of course, which one do you like?"

  Xiao Zhao looked at them one by one again and again, smiling: "I want the red one, is that okay?"

  Wu Xin smiled and said, "What's wrong with it? Its name is Tengwu, its body can emit a red mist that can make the opponent dizzy!" After speaking, Wu Xin took Tengwu from his shoulder and handed it to Xiao Zhao. Tengwu looked at Wu Xin, then looked at Xiao Zhao, seemingly understanding what was going on, and obediently lay down.

  Xiao Zhao couldn't help but laugh, and with both hands, she learned from Guo Lian's example, hugging it tightly to her chest. Teng Yun saw this, let out a soft meow, stretched out its long claws and gently touched Xiao Zhao's hand, giving her another fright. The reason was that these claws were like snakes, very frightening, and also made her hand feel numb and itchy. After being startled, Xiao Zhao saw Teng Yun stretch out lazily, knew it was just being playful, and couldn't help but laugh, saying: "This lazy stretch of yours is really scary!"

  Wu Xin looked at Wu Mama again, and before he could speak, he heard Wu Mama laugh and say: "Don't give it to me, I'm a little scared, give it to someone else!" Xiao Lan and Xiao Rong were also afraid and didn't dare to take it.

  Wu Xin didn't force the issue either, and simply said lightly: "Alright, it's too damp and cold here, not good for our bodies! I'll go take care of some things, let's get everyone back home as soon as possible."

  Xiao Zhao happily said: "Wu Xing brother, can we really go home soon?"

  "Hmm! I'd like to see who dares to make me not dare to go home!" Wu Xin's words were tight and sharp, ringing out in the cave.

  Wu Xin said goodbye to everyone and left, first going to Hu Bin's home for a visit.

  Wu Xin's figure fluttered, secretly operating his true energy, his entire body was already in a state of being on the verge of eruption. The protective true energy had also condensed into armor, and the surrounding air seemed to have a faint glow. He took another step closer to the house.

  As soon as he reached the gate, Wu Xin sensed that the hall was filled with murderous intent and knew there was an ambush. He lightly tapped his feet and floated onto the top of the gate, taking a few strands of his own hair and wrapping them around his fingers to instantly form a zither. Wu Xin stared at the inside of the gate while blowing air into a melody, and a strange, mournful sound began to resonate, lingering on and on, tightly plucking at people's heartstrings, making those who heard it unable to help but laugh with joy, dancing with abandon. The sound was very low, yet it spread far and wide, no matter where one stood, it seemed the same size, making it impossible to tell where the sound came from or how it continued on endlessly, ethereal and otherworldly.

  Wu Xin's display is the infinite mysterious sound, which can most confuse and deceive one's mind. The higher one's internal energy, the greater the harm suffered.

  Wu Xin used his Extreme Mystic Sound to confuse the minds of those hiding inside, causing them to lose their senses. Before long, he heard a burst of gunfire and shouting from inside, knowing that his sound had taken effect. As he continued to play, the entrance was swept by a flurry of shots, with spent cartridges flying out and clattering on the ground. After the gunfire stopped, six figures emerged from inside, fleeing in different directions.

  Wu Xin let out a cold laugh, his hands clenched into fists as he charged towards the figure at the top. Suddenly, a dragon's roar was heard, and Wu Xin's "Dragon Subduing Skill" took effect. The person's body was restrained by Wu Xin's internal energy, unable to move forward, and was suspended in mid-air before plummeting downwards. Seizing the opportunity, Wu Xin became even more ruthless, his left hand transforming from a fist into a palm as he continued to immobilize the person with his "Dragon Subduing Skill". His right hand tightly clenched into a fist, his energy coiled and motionless, his head bowed down to meet the falling figure. Meanwhile, his feet formed an angle, subtly taking shape as a stance, guarding against others who might take advantage of the opening.

  This Dragon Subduing Fist is indeed the ultimate martial art. As soon as the fist moves, its shadow fills the sky without being light and floating, and the sound of breaking through the air is like a tiger's roar and a dragon's chant, shocking and intimidating, most able to frighten the enemy and gain victory. Another strange thing about it is that the fists and palms are interchangeable. When punching, the inner breath overflows, already able to project force from a distance. By the time it changes to palm, the power has increased several times, making it impossible for the opponent to move. Wu Xin's internal strength at this time is already unmatched in the world, he himself doesn't know, but when the fist shadow fills the ground and the dragon chant hums continuously, he has some understanding in his heart.

  That person wanted to use his lightness skill to prevent himself from falling to the ground, but was tightly caught by Wu Xing's Dragon Subduing Skill and couldn't move. He had no choice but to close his eyes and let himself fall.

  All he heard was a loud crash, and the man let out a pained groan, with fresh blood already spilling from his mouth. In an instant, he felt an incredibly powerful force descending from above, rushing towards him like an iron wall closing in. He was shocked, thinking that his life was over, but unwilling to give up, he opened his eyes to find everything pitch black, and wondered if this was the road to the underworld, and whether hell really existed.

  Wu Xin saw that he actually opened his eyes, although the expression was unbearable, but still exerted all his strength. His left hand grasped the dragon's claw, holding down his body, and his right hand made a move to strike him with the Fire Cloud Covering the Top. Just then, someone shouted: "Wu Xin! Stop! He has done you a favor!"

  Wu Xin listened and was shocked in his heart. He shifted his fist power, and with a loud crash, the ground's dust flew high into the air.

  Several people cried out in surprise.

  As the dust settled, Wu Xin was seen tightly grasping the man's collar, his fist pressed against his chest, coldly staring at the other five people.

  The five of them were shocked and saw a big hole in the ground, they secretly feared that if this punch landed on their bodies, how could they be saved?

  One person dispelled the look of anxiety, and said lightly: "Wu Xin! Have you forgotten about us six people? If we were still entangled last time, by the time others caught up, you might not have been able to rescue your mother!"

  Wu Xin immediately understood and said: "That's right! That time I may not have been able to save my mother, but you also may not have escaped unscathed!"

  "But we're just injured, you should know what's at stake!" One person's heart was slightly panicked.

  "Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!" Wu Xin sneered, saying coldly: "Of course! But this time you've fallen into my hands, and I'll settle the accounts from last time and this time together. If I hadn't been careful today and gained the upper hand, I'm afraid I would have fallen into your hands instead, and ended up dead with no place to be buried!"

  The captured man suddenly sighed softly: "Lao Wu, Lao San, don't mention any past grievances. After all, we are accomplices in evil and have harmed many people. Sooner or later, there will be a day of reckoning! It's better to suffer a short pain than a long one, and it's also good to understand the heart's troubles!"

  When Wu Xin heard "Assisting the tyrant in his cruelty", he thought of his deceased master and was even more resentful. His fists were already clenched, with cracking joints, but he suddenly shouted: "Good! Debts of gratitude are debts of gratitude, debts of vengeance are debts of vengeance, all must be repaid, but they must be clearly distinguished! I'll let you go today, next time we meet, I won't show mercy!"

  The six men were shocked when they saw his fists clenched, but when he relaxed again, they all calmed down. Suddenly, a surge of grandeur rose in their hearts. The six men simultaneously clasped their fists and said: "Good! We will eventually have a great battle, at that time everyone will bring out their true skills!"

  Chapter 3